Switching on to energy efficiency

Citizens Advice Northumberland

As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with information about energy and encouraged to switch suppliers. This is a minefield and for some of us it is difficult to navigate.

However, help is at hand.

Firstly, read your meter regularly and check your bills to make sure you know how much energy you’re using. Talk to your supplier or Citizens Advice if you think your bill is wrong or have problems paying. You could be entitled to benefits or support to pay your bill.

You can switch even if you owe up to £500 per fuel if you use a prepayment meter. If you have problems switching due to fuel debts, Citizens Advice can help you negotiate.

Make your home more energy efficient by insulating lofts and walls, double glaze, use thick curtains and get your boiler serviced or replaced. There are schemes to help with this and Citizens Advice can help you find them.

Save money and energy – don’t leave appliances on standby, always turn off the lights when leaving a room and don’t overfill your kettle, only boil the amount of water you need.